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#1
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DC WhisperGen
I always find it very suspicious when a manufacturer advertises the
benefits of their product based on a particular feature and then doesn't provide a formal specification. As far as I can see WhisperGen doesn't provide a specification for noise level. Their brochure, however, does have a graphic that indicates that the noise level falls between normal conversation at 60db and a refrigerator at 50 db. So, I guess we can assume the noise level is about 55 db(A) and is measured using standard industry techniques. Some applicable specifications for a Honda EU3000is, for instance, a 58 dB @ rated load (2800W) 49 dB @ 1/4 load (700W) Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.4 gallons (12.9 liters) Run Time on one tankful: 7.2hrs @ rated load; 20hrs @ 1/4 load Liters per hour: 1.8 @ rated load; 0.65 @ 1/4 load Dry Weight: 134 lbs So, it looks to me like the Honda EU3000is is actually a lot quieter than the WhisperGen when it is operated at an equivalent wattage output and has roughly the same noise level when operated at 3 1/2 times more power than the WhisperGen. Also, assuming I've done the calculations correctly, the EU3000is is probably more fuel efficient since it only uses about 0.65 liters per hour at 700W while the WhisperGen uses "Less than 1 litre per hour". The Honda EU3000is, incidentally, costs about $2000.00. http://www.whispergen.com/content/li...t_Brochure.pdf http://www.whispergen.com/content/li...ers_Manual.pdf http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/M...lName=eu3000is Jeff wrote: These are a different beast - because they are "external combustion" (like a house furnace) they are very efficient and can be set to run unattended, so they claim. Also, they are extremely quiet. I stood next to one at the show and could barely hear it running. Also, I could hold the exhaust flew in my hand (briefly). I can see an situation where it would fit in nicely. However, for my purposes, I can see better uses for $12K. Scotty wrote: $12 k !!!! Holy ****! You could buy a dozen Honda gens for that. SBV "Bart" wrote in message ups.com... I have a chance to see a DC WhisperGen at the Norwalk Boat Show today. I was very impressed. The price was $12k. It provided 800 watts of power, 70 amps at 12 Volts for 1/5 gal per hour or about .75 ltrs/hr. It provided heat for hot water and was efficent enough such that the exhaust was comfortable to touch. Most impressive was the quiet sound it made--quieter than a small window AC unit. With the sound cover on it was difficult to hear. Until noisy diesel gensets that are so annoying, this unit can be set up to start when needed and was quiet enough not to be a nuisance when running. If agumented with solar cells, or even a wind generator, I think the daily fuel consumption would be quite low. So anyone considering a new genset, and/or heater, and possibly AC for their boat, this with a good battery bank would make a nice system. |
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#3
posted to alt.sailing.asa
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DC WhisperGen
Jeff wrote: I have a Honda EU2000i and I can say that under load it makes a lot more noise than the Whispergen. Of course, I didn't hear the WhispeGen at full load. At low load the Honda is rather quiet, but it doesn't make heat, hot water, and it won't run unattended. BTW, both of the pdf's you provide have a noise level; one says 55 dBA at one meter, (full load implied, though not formally stated), the other references an ISO standard which is 50 dBA at 7 meters. Oh! I see it now. The brochure does say "55dBA" at one meter. That is, indeed, very quiet. Using an online dB/distance calculator, that means it would be about 17dB less at the standard measuring distance of 7 meters. Or, in otherwords, the comparison would be 38dBA for the Whispergen versus 49dBA for the Honda, which is a HUGE difference and throws a whole new light on the subject. http://www.mcsquared.com/dbframe.htm It's seems odd that they wouldn't put the noise figure in the specification section of their user manual. I did notice the reference to the ISO standard. However, I wasn't sure that some sort of special environment wasn't required to obtain that. a few more comments below ... wrote: I always find it very suspicious when a manufacturer advertises the benefits of their product based on a particular feature and then doesn't provide a formal specification. As far as I can see WhisperGen doesn't provide a specification for noise level. Their brochure, however, does have a graphic that indicates that the noise level falls between normal conversation at 60db and a refrigerator at 50 db. So, I guess we can assume the noise level is about 55 db(A) and is measured using standard industry techniques. Some applicable specifications for a Honda EU3000is, for instance, a 58 dB @ rated load (2800W) 49 dB @ 1/4 load (700W) Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.4 gallons (12.9 liters) Run Time on one tankful: 7.2hrs @ rated load; 20hrs @ 1/4 load Liters per hour: 1.8 @ rated load; 0.65 @ 1/4 load Dry Weight: 134 lbs So, it looks to me like the Honda EU3000is is actually a lot quieter than the WhisperGen when it is operated at an equivalent wattage output and has roughly the same noise level when operated at 3 1/2 times more power than the WhisperGen. 58 dba is not "roughly the same" as 55 on a logarithmic scale. It true that 58 dBA is not "roughly the same" as 55dBA, but at the time I wasn't sure that the WhisperGen wasn't louder than 55dBA. For the purposes of human perception, I believe the rule(s) is as follows: "1 dB is generally the smallest difference that can be perceived by human beings A 3 dB difference is clearly audible for just about anyone with normal hearing A 10 dB difference is generally perceived as being twice or half as loud." Also, assuming I've done the calculations correctly, the EU3000is is probably more fuel efficient since it only uses about 0.65 liters per hour at 700W while the WhisperGen uses "Less than 1 litre per hour". Again, you have to add in the heat and hot water. It also says ".75 liters/hour at max output" The Honda EU3000is, incidentally, costs about $2000.00. Yup. No argument on that front. However, the Whispergen is built for 100% duty cycle, doesn't need oil or oil filters, etc. It comes with electronic controls for monitoring temp and battery levels, etc. As I said, this is much different from a portable genset. That's true. http://www.whispergen.com/content/li...t_Brochure.pdf http://www.whispergen.com/content/li...ers_Manual.pdf http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/M...lName=eu3000is Jeff wrote: These are a different beast - because they are "external combustion" (like a house furnace) they are very efficient and can be set to run unattended, so they claim. Also, they are extremely quiet. I stood next to one at the show and could barely hear it running. Also, I could hold the exhaust flew in my hand (briefly). I can see an situation where it would fit in nicely. However, for my purposes, I can see better uses for $12K. Scotty wrote: $12 k !!!! Holy ****! You could buy a dozen Honda gens for that. SBV "Bart" wrote in message ups.com... I have a chance to see a DC WhisperGen at the Norwalk Boat Show today. I was very impressed. The price was $12k. It provided 800 watts of power, 70 amps at 12 Volts for 1/5 gal per hour or about .75 ltrs/hr. It provided heat for hot water and was efficent enough such that the exhaust was comfortable to touch. Most impressive was the quiet sound it made--quieter than a small window AC unit. With the sound cover on it was difficult to hear. Until noisy diesel gensets that are so annoying, this unit can be set up to start when needed and was quiet enough not to be a nuisance when running. If agumented with solar cells, or even a wind generator, I think the daily fuel consumption would be quite low. So anyone considering a new genset, and/or heater, and possibly AC for their boat, this with a good battery bank would make a nice system. |
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#4
posted to alt.sailing.asa
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DC WhisperGen
Your suggestion to chose a Honda gasoline generator over
a diesel generator has little merit. No sailor worth his salt would chose a gasoline generator over the much safer diesel fueled powerplants and gensets--despite the much higher cost of a diesel generator. The Honda is a gasoline engine, which means one must have a second fuel tank for it, and one must also deal with an explosive fuel compared with a mearly flamible fuel like diesel. Vessels designed to keep water out, do to good a job keeping vapor in. Further the Honda generator is not designed for use in a marine environment. They have their place--on shore at construction job sites and vacation cabins. The Honda is a might be suitable for a smaller sailing vessel driven by an outboard or inboard gas engine, or perhaps in a motorboat --but I doubt it. Such boats probably have little need for any generator at all and could depend on the motor and a small solar panel to charge batteries. It is good that it's cost is lower. At the lower price you can afford get a new one when it starts to rust and fall apart in harsh salt air. It does not make any sense to chose a gasoline generator for a diesel powered sailing yacht--it does not make much sense in any circumstance. |
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#5
posted to alt.sailing.asa
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DC WhisperGen
I stand corrected.
Bart wrote: Your suggestion to chose a Honda gasoline generator over a diesel generator has little merit. No sailor worth his salt would chose a gasoline generator over the much safer diesel fueled powerplants and gensets--despite the much higher cost of a diesel generator. The Honda is a gasoline engine, which means one must have a second fuel tank for it, and one must also deal with an explosive fuel compared with a mearly flamible fuel like diesel. Vessels designed to keep water out, do to good a job keeping vapor in. Further the Honda generator is not designed for use in a marine environment. They have their place--on shore at construction job sites and vacation cabins. The Honda is a might be suitable for a smaller sailing vessel driven by an outboard or inboard gas engine, or perhaps in a motorboat --but I doubt it. Such boats probably have little need for any generator at all and could depend on the motor and a small solar panel to charge batteries. It is good that it's cost is lower. At the lower price you can afford get a new one when it starts to rust and fall apart in harsh salt air. It does not make any sense to chose a gasoline generator for a diesel powered sailing yacht--it does not make much sense in any circumstance. |
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#6
posted to alt.sailing.asa
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DC WhisperGen
I have to admit those Honda generators and
motors in general are pretty quiet. My brother has one on his lawnmower and it sounds like he is two houses away when he cuts the lawn. wrote: I stand corrected. |
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#7
posted to alt.sailing.asa
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DC WhisperGen
So are you saying your brother uses a genset to power an electric
lawnmower? That sounds a bit tedious. BTW, I use a battery powered mower, but I only have about 4000 feet of lawn. Bart wrote: I have to admit those Honda generators and motors in general are pretty quiet. My brother has one on his lawnmower and it sounds like he is two houses away when he cuts the lawn. wrote: I stand corrected. |
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#8
posted to alt.sailing.asa
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DC WhisperGen
My Honda 4-stroke outboard was very quiet, only problem was,
it reminded me of mowing the lawn. Scotty "Bart" wrote in message oups.com.. .. I have to admit those Honda generators and motors in general are pretty quiet. My brother has one on his lawnmower and it sounds like he is two houses away when he cuts the lawn. wrote: I stand corrected. |
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#9
posted to alt.sailing.asa
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DC WhisperGen
Bart wrote: It is good that it's cost is lower. At the lower price you can afford get a new one when it starts to rust and fall apart in harsh salt air. Leaving aside the rest, this is basically wrong. I have over a dozen Honda gensets in store and we use them in very harsh conditions, on sea ice. They hold up fine. Yes, they will rust if you don't take a modicum of care of them, but it'll take a long time before they fall apart. None of ours has as yet. That's my opinion based on years of use in the field. Take it FWIW. PDW |
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